February 14, 2019

Join us in Washington DC

By Peter Herzog
Legislative Associate, Health and Medicine Counsel of Washington

On behalf of the RLS Foundation, I invite you to join us for the 2019 RLS Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill on Friday, May 3, in Washington, DC.

Policy makers are currently debating which issues they will take on throughout this session of Congress. It is essential that RLS patients make themselves heard during these deliberations.

Our RLS Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill will give RLS patients and caregivers the opportunity to advocate on behalf of our community in the halls of Congress. Throughout the day, you will meet with staff at the offices of your US senators and members of the House of Representatives to discuss the importance of advancing medical research, increasing access to treatments, and promoting education and awareness for RLS. These issues are vital to improving quality of life for patients and ultimately finding a cure for RLS.

As you know, most people aren’t aware of the daily challenges that come with an RLS diagnosis, and nobody communicates the needs of the community better than RLS patients themselves.

Advocacy is as easy as sitting down and telling your story. Many of you have already done this in writing, or in person with staff in your local congressional offices. Members of Congress and their staff want to see and hear directly from you. It’s their job to represent your concerns in the policy-making process in Washington.

Now, more than ever, your voice in policy making is needed. At each legislative meeting, we will discuss the importance of increased federal support for RLS medical research, education and awareness, and access to treatments.

We know that travel is often challenging for those with RLS. If your RLS prevents your attendance, we appreciate your help in spreading the word and supporting our important advocacy work in any way possible. Thank you for your participation in RLS advocacy efforts. We look forward to seeing you in Washington on May 3!

Please stay tuned for more information about this important event. If you have any questions, please contact me at herzog@hmcw.org.